Lunch and Learns

Oakland University (OU) was founded as a place where the “aspiring can rise.” Matilda Wilson started Oakland University on the ideals that it could be a place where diverse individuals strive to positively impact and connect with the society that surrounds them.

The OU Division of Student Affairs and Diversity takes this foundational belief and enhances it with the Nguni Bantu concept of Ubuntu. This humanistic philosophy connects each person on campus with the concept that “I am who I am because of who we all are.” Ubuntu claims that inclusion is not something to be ‘achieved’…it simply is the ‘way.’ The Ubuntu idea of inclusion is the center of our values.

In order to grow this belief and continue conversations on how we all can best thrive together on campus, OU will be offering a 2017–18 series of sessions for faculty and staff. These Ubuntu Lunch and Learn meetings will expand on topics presented at Oakland’s yearly diversity, equity and inclusion conference.

Light lunch provided.

Monday, October 23, 2017Noon – 1 p.m.Oakland Center, Oakland RoomCross-Cultural ContributionsWorld Matters: Immigration, expatriates, experiential studies and travel abroadPanel discussion facilitated by Dave Archbold, director of the Department of International Students and Scholars.Thursday, November 16, 2017Noon – 1 p.m.Kresge Library Room 242 - Nyberg RoomRace and RegionalismWhat role can we play in our classrooms, research and community to promote social justice?Facilitated by Peter Hammer of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights.

Friday, January 5, 2018Noon – 1 p.m.Oakland Center, Oakland RoomInclusion on the campus—students with intellectual disabilities.How can Oakland re-establish a role in inclusion of all students?

Monday, January 22, 2018Noon – 1 p.m.Oakland Center, Oakland RoomMartin Luther King: 50 years out: What of beloved community?King’s message of radical revolution in values against racism, materialism and militarism. What do these ideas mean at OU?

Monday, February 26, 2018Noon – 1 p.m.Oakland Center, Oakland RoomThe experiences of women at OUWomen in leadership for a more inclusive community.

Monday, March 19, 2018Noon – 1 p.m.Oakland Center, Oakland RoomWhat’s in a pronoun? Identity and self determination.A look at the work of the GSC and OU’s Women and Gender Studies.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018Noon – 1 p.m.Oakland Center, Oakland RoomRe-cap of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference (4/12/18)Lessons learned that can be moved forward at OU.